Ephrem J. Gallant

Thursday

"Tweety," as he was affectionately known, was born in Robichaud Office, New Brunswick, Canada. He came to the United States when he was 21, working several jobs, the last of which was custodian at Naquag Elementary School, retiring in 1990.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Beverley (Paddock) Gallant; three sons, Norman Gallant and his wife Robin of Stafford, Va., Ronald Gallant and his wife Debra of Carrollton, Texas and Jeffrey Gallant and his wife Jodi of Baldwinville; two daughters, Rosemary (Gallant) Cowart and her husband Randy of Rutland and Ann Marie (Gallant) Harter of Southbridge; three brothers, Camile Gallant and his wife Agnes of Gardner, Ronald "Bill" Gallant, and Yvon Gallant and his wife Rollande, all of Fitchburg; two sisters, Alma Melanson, Gloria (Gallant) Cormier and her husband Ronald, all of Gardner; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Lillian Gallant, and parents, Albert and Vitaline (Melanson) Gallant.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, in St. Patrick's Church, 290 Main St., Rutland. Spring burial will be in Rural Cemetery, Rutland. Please omit flowers. Memorial donations may be made to St. Patrick's Church, P.O. Box 939, Rutland, MA 01543. Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden, is directing arrangements. (www.milesfuneralhome.com)